§ 8-620. Civil penalties

   (a) In general. -- The Commission may impose on a person who violates this title, including § 8-607(4) of this subtitle, a civil penalty not exceeding $ 5,000 for each violation, whether or not the person is licensed under this title.

(b) Considerations. -- In setting the amount of a civil penalty, the Commission shall consider:

   (1) the seriousness of the violation;

   (2) the good faith of the violator;

   (3) any previous violations;

   (4) the harmful effect of the violation on the complainant, the public, and the business of home improvement;

   (5) the assets of the violator; and

   (6) any other relevant factors.

(c) Schedule of violations and fines; citation. --

   (1) The Commission may establish by regulation a schedule of violations and fines to be used for civil citations issued under this title.

   (2) A citation issued by the Commission shall include:

      (i) the name and address of the person charged;

      (ii) the nature of the violation;

      (iii) the location and time of the violation;

      (iv) the amount of the fine;

      (v) the manner, location, and time in which the fine may be paid;

      (vi) the cited person's right to a hearing for the violation; and

      (vii) a warning that failure to pay the fine or to contest liability in a timely manner in accordance with the citation:

         1. is an admission of liability; and

         2. may result in an entry of a default judgment that may include the fine, court costs, and administrative expenses.

   (3) The Commission shall retain a copy of the citation.

   (4) All money collected under this subsection shall be paid in accordance with § 8-403(b) of this title.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 56, § 261, 267; 1992, ch. 4, § 2; 1994, ch. 740; 2008, chs. 420, 421; 2011, ch. 333.